We're getting closer to the edge of the Fiscal Cliff

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - We're just over a week away before we "fall off the Fiscal Cliff". The edge of the cliff is within view and Americans are holding on and holding their breath.

“I think everybody is.  I think it's going to be something we have to wait and see.  It's not stopping me from spending money though.  I think it's going to be something we have to wait and see and hopefully it won't affect us as much as it looks like it might,” said Karen Davies of Agawam.

Negotiations came to a halt Friday when a deal was not made and Congress went home for the Christmas break.

Before the President left, he left a message to Congress: "Work together to get a deal."

But not everyone is confident that can happen.

“It's going to always be tough to get policies done when you have people who have political agendas so they want to see personal things get through and their own personal things get through and that can often come at the expense of the collective good,” said Bryan Bracey of Amherst.

Speaker John Boehner tried out "plan B" but had to retreat when his fellow Republicans revolted against him-- and insisted their position won't change.

Congress won't be back until December 27th, but the President thinks this will allow leaders to "cook off" and "think about the hardship so many Americans will endure"

The optimistic think... and hope that's the case.

“I think they can come to an agreement because this has happened in the past, they've come to an agreement in the past.  I don't know if we were ever so close as a week to a deadline but I'm hoping based on past events that it will work out,” said Evan Tvrdik of West Springfield.

Despite the ticking clock, officials in both parties said there was still time to prevent the changes from kicking in with the new year.